A popular National Trust property that has undergone a multimillion-pound restoration has scooped UK Heritage Project of the Year at the RICS Awards Grand Final.
Seaton Delaval Hall went head-to-head with some of the UK's top projects to win the title following following its four-year restoration programme which saw re-roofing of the west wing, rejuvenation of the building's famous cantilevered staircases, and general repairs and improvements. The work also saw the addition of several attractions such as an upside-down room, mirrored spheres and cubes, and an enormous anchor all designed to convey a sense of the fun enjoyed by the flamboyant 'Gay Delavals' who occupied the house from 1728.
Judges for the awards, which were presented at a ceremony in London, called the project an exemplar of conservation practice. It makes the Hall one of 10 category winners from across the UK.
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RICS judges said: “Seaton Delaval Hall is a flagship project for The National Trust both in terms of conservation and regeneration. Extensive research and attention to detail has ensured not only a highly considered approach to the conservation and repair of this significant Grade I listed property but also transformed the experience for visitors. The outstanding quality of craftsmanship and its’ sensitivity, using local contractors & materials, provides that its story & history are easily read for those visiting and makes it a worthy winner of the national award.”
Seaton Delaval Hall was among a host of finalists from each of the 12 regional RICS Awards that competed in the Grand Final. Four new national categories were introduced at this year’s awards - Infrastructure Team of the Year, Environmental Impact, Outstanding Large and Small surveying firm/team.
The full list of winners:
- Commercial Development Project – Hylo, London
- Community Benefit Project – The Wilds, Barking Riverside, London
- Environmental Impact Award – St Sidwell’s Point, Exeter
- Heritage Project – Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Delaval
- Infrastructure Team of the Year – North West Multi Modal Transport Hub Project Team, Northern Ireland
- Outstanding Large Surveying Firm Team - Investors and Insurers Team, Arcadis Lenders
- Outstanding Small Surveying Firm/Team - Modus Construction Consultants Ltd
- Public Sector Project - Erne Campus, South West College, Northern Ireland
- Refurbishment/Revitalisation Project - Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa Project, East Midlands
- Residential Project - Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme, West Midlands
Chair of the judging panel David Brooks-Wilson FRICS said: "The judging panel and I were so impressed with the dedication of the teams behind these winning projects, they are a true testament to the tireless dedication of industry professionals across the UK. Their talent and collaborative approaches have resulted in exemplary and innovative schemes that really do represent the very best built projects across the regions.
"Each of the winning projects is having a profoundly positive impact on their local area and the RICS is delighted to recognise the hard work that went behind ensuring these projects were delivered successfully, particularly in such challenging and uncertain times as we navigated through the pandemic. The teams behind them should be incredibly proud of the part they have played in helping to improve their community and wider local economy."
You can see a full gallery of photographs following the Seaton Delaval Hall restoration project here .
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